Am I pregnant? Do I have something more serious? Or is it nothing?

[cambleL]

I haven't had a "normal" period since the end of Jan./early Feb.  Mid March I spotted on and off, very light, for two weeks.  It's now mid May and I still haven't had my period.  My new doctor said it's nothing to worry about and that my "hormones are out of wack."  Clearly, I see that my hormones are behaving strange.  I just want to know why.  Last week, every time I sneezed or coughed I urinated a little.  I was completely surprised.  I've never experienced anything like this.  This made my slightly nervous as my mom had similar symptoms before she was diagnosed with germ cell ovarian cancer (non-hereditary).  I've taken a few pregnancy tests, all negative.  Is it possible that I"m pregnant?    Anyone with a similar situation or an explanation?

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

A woman who is having a notable change in their menstrual cycle for more than three months should be evaluated by their ob/gyn to discuss their symptoms and pursue a workup.  Some reasons a woman's menses may change include pregnancy (which it seems you are not), the presence of uterine polyps or fibroids, thyroid hormone or Prolactin hormone changes, the absence of ovulation (anovulation), and abnormal tissue growth of the uterine lining (the endomtrium).

I suggest you talk to your doctor about what they think might be the underlying cause of your menstrual changes and how they might best evaluate you.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing